Community leadership
Founder, Food for Thought
A student-led nonprofit initiative under the Dragon Kim Foundation, bringing hands-on cooking and food science to children across Orange County.
Visit Food for Thought ↗01 Hello, I’m
Michelle
Seo.
A culinary arts and hospitality student interested in the stories, ideas, and experiences we gather around.
See what I’m making
02 / About
Making room for
curiosity.
I’m a 2027 graduate at the Orange County School of the Arts, where I study in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality conservatory.
During summer 2026, I’m studying Urban Planning at UCLA while interning with the Los Angeles Department of Public Works under Board President Steve Kang. Together, these experiences have inspired me to pursue public works and urban planning as an undergraduate.
This is my corner of the internet—a home for the projects and questions I’m exploring along the way.
03 / Cooking portfolio
In the kitchen.
From mise en place to the moment a student’s idea clicks, I’m drawn to the focus, teamwork, and care behind every dish.
Practicing thoughtful mise en place, knife skills, and an organized approach to every station.
Coordinating lessons, volunteers, and kitchen details so the whole team can work with confidence.
Guiding young cooks with patience and encouragement as they build practical skills of their own.
04 / Selected projects
On the table.
01Visit project ↗
Featured project
Food for Thought
- 8sessions taught
- 150children served
- All of OCcommunity reach
Hands-on cooking and food science for young people across Orange County.
02Visit project ↗
Meander
Wellness technology
Meander
Calmer walking routes shaped around weather, UV, scenic stops, and everyday wellness.
05 / Experience & leadership
Ideas, put into practice.
Public service, community-building, and hands-on experiences that connect curiosity with meaningful action.
Civic experience
Intern, Los Angeles Department of Public Works
Working under Board of Public Works President Steve Kang and learning how infrastructure, planning, and public service shape everyday life across Los Angeles.
Community service
Founder, CARE
Community Aid & Relief Effort curates and donates care packages to local homeless shelters.
Youth leadership
Vice President, Young Leaders of Orange County
Supporting youth-led civic engagement, service, and leadership across the region.
Healthcare exposure
Physician Shadowing
Shadowed anesthesiologist Dr. Sal Maya and observed patient care in a clinical setting.
Campus & cultural leadership
Building community at school
- Founder & PresidentA Helping Hand Club · 1 year
- AmbassadorAsian Pacific Islander Union · 3 years
- Growth CoordinatorAsian Pacific Islander Student Union · 2023–2024
Activities
Music & scholarship
- CelloSatori Music Festival · Junior Chamber Music
- MemberCalifornia Scholarship Federation · 3 years
06 / Recognition & credentials
Work that’s been recognized.
Honors spanning community leadership, culinary training, academics, and music.
Leadership & academics
- Congressional Recognition, Young Leaders of Orange County — Representative Young Kim
- Certificate of Recognition — City of Los Angeles, Twelfth Council District
- Certificate of Recognition — California State Senator María Elena Durazo
- AP Scholar with Distinction
Music
- First Place, Satori Summer Music Festival — Cello
- Fourth Place, Charleston International Music Competition — Cello
- Certificate of Merit, Cello — Level 10
Credentials & press
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
- Sexual Harassment and Abusive Conduct Prevention Training Certificate
- Featured in The Korea Times
- Featured by HIS OC on Instagram
07 / Contact
Let’s make something meaningful.
Have a project, opportunity, or question? I’d love to hear from you.
michellekseo@gmail.com